AJ McBean, a standout running back from Hermosa Beach, has swapped the blue and gold of Mira Costa High for the green and gold of Gardena Serra this offseason. The move is framed as a calculated step to broaden his role and catch the eye of college recruiters.
McBean’s athletic résumé includes a 10.55‑second 100‑meter dash this spring, underscoring his speed. At Gardena Serra he will operate in a more versatile capacity, benefiting from an offensive line that returns all five starters and from a family that informed longtime coach Scott Altenberg of his decision.
A New Era of Coaching Turnover
The transfer comes amid a wave of new head coaches across the region, each trying to embed fresh systems while managing the growing influence of name‑image‑likeness opportunities that have turned transfer paperwork into a routine part of recruitment.
Among the notable commitments already secured are Chris Fields pledging Georgetown, Micah Butler choosing Sacramento State, Gabriel Goroyan opting for Stanford and Wesley Ace committing to San Jose State. These early decisions illustrate how high school stars are increasingly locking in college destinations before their senior seasons.
The Southern Section is preparing for potential eligibility scandals as schools grapple with an influx of transfers. City Section commissioner Vicky Lagos has scheduled meetings to review paperwork whenever multiple moves are reported, aiming to preserve competitive integrity.
Other storylines involve emerging talents such as Joseph Medina, discovered by former Garfield coach Lorenzo Hernandez at Whittier, and Agoura’s quarterback depth, where newcomers Kris Carranza and Emerson Andrews join a program led by coach Dustin Croick. Andrews’ father, David Andrews, previously served as UCLA’s director of athletic performance for men’s basketball.